Camping Laws: What Every Camper in the UK Needs to Know

Planning a weekend under the stars? Before you pack the tent, you’ve got to sort out the rules. The UK has a patchwork of laws that control where you can pitch, how long you can stay, and what you can do on the ground. Ignoring them can mean fines, a run‑in with the police, or a forced move‑on. Below you’ll find the most common regulations broken down in plain English, so you can enjoy your trip without surprises.

Wild Camping and the Law

Wild camping – sleeping outside of a formal campsite – is legal in most of Scotland thanks to the Scottish Outdoor Access Code. You can set up a tent on uncultivated land as long as you follow the “leave no trace” principle, stay away from private homes, and keep the stay short (usually a night or two).

In England and Wales it’s a different story. Most of the land is privately owned, and the law treats wild camping as trespassing unless you have the landowner’s permission. Some areas, like parts of Dartmoor and the Lake District, have unofficial tolerance zones, but you can still be asked to leave. The safest route is to look for designated wild‑camping sites, check local council websites, or use apps that mark allowed spots.

If you’re caught camping where it’s not allowed, you could face a warning, a fine of up to £300, or even a court summons. The key is to be respectful: keep noise down, pack out all rubbish, and don’t damage vegetation.

Camping on Beaches, Parks and Public Land

Beach camping is a hot topic. In England, most beaches are covered by bylaws that forbid setting up a tent for more than a few hours. You can generally stay for a quick nap or a day‑time picnic, but a full‑night stay usually requires a permit from the local council. Scotland’s coastal areas are more permissive, especially if you follow the Access Code.

Public parks are similar. Many local authorities allow “urban camping” in certain parks, but only during daylight hours or with a special permit. Check the park’s website or contact the council before you arrive. Some cities have designated “pocket parks” where overnight stays are explicitly allowed.

National forests and public land can be used for “dispersed camping,” but the rules vary by region. In Wales, for example, you can camp in designated forest areas for up to 48 hours without a fee, provided you stay on established sites and follow fire safety rules.

Regardless of where you set up, always bring a portable toilet solution, keep fires to a minimum, and respect any signage. These habits not only keep you out of trouble, they also protect the environment so the sites stay beautiful for everyone.

Bottom line: read the local bylaws, carry a copy of the relevant access codes, and when in doubt, ask. A quick phone call to the council can save you a night of packing up early. With the right prep, you’ll enjoy the freedom of the open road and the peace of a night under the stars – all without breaking the law.